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If you are looking for luxury in a smaller package, look no further than the Buick Verano. This premium compact sedan features a responsive engine, a smooth ride and all the comforts of a much more upscale automobile, all at an affordable price.

New to the GM family in 2012, the Buick Verano quickly distinguished itself with a combination of style, performance, technology and sophistication. Named one of the top upscale cars by US News in 2013, the Verano was also recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received a 5-star overall vehicle score on safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission.

Although the Verano is sometimes mentioned in the same breath as the similar sized Acura ILX, at Bob King Automall, we found the Verano to be the preferred choice for three main reasons: superior driving dynamics, quieter cabin and price.

Enhanced Driving Experience

With a bigger engine, more horsepower and more maximum torque, than the Acura ILX, the Buick Verano offers a smoother riding experience. Newly remodeled for 2014, the Verano incorporates design details of the best-selling Buick Enclave, from the sporty profile to the chrome accents and standard 18-inch, multi-spoke machine-face aluminum wheels. Inside, the Verano uses premium, soft-touch materials and warm, ambient lighting. With more front headroom, more rear headroom and more legroom than the Acura ILX, the Verano is a study in comfort and luxury.

A Quiet Oasis

Many drivers use their car as an escape, and the Verano helps keep the world at bay. With Buick's exclusive Quiet Touch technology, the Verano blocks and absorbs sound while also eliminating vibrations. That quiet interior allows drivers to better enjoy the Verano's audio system details, including the exclusive Intellilink system, which allows drivers to connect their smartphone to a full color, touch screen display radio.

Smart Affordability

Although the Verano's appearance may scream "expensive," its price tag doesn't. In fact, the Verano is priced about $3,000 less than the Acura. And, although the Acura provides slightly higher fuel economy (24 mpg v. 21 mpg), the Acura uses premium gas, while the Buick uses the less expensive regular grade. With many features standard, the Verano excels at creating luxury at a reasonable price.

Come for a test drive at Bob King Automall in Wilmington and experience the Verano's combination of indulgence and sensibility for yourself.

Bob King Automall is an advertising partner of WRAL.com, but each article is intended to be educational and informative in nature.

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